CHAPTER 2

WHY ME?

Vincent Valentine sat in the plane's Conference room a while later. Everyone had taken their traditional places, especially Yuffie, the airsick one, except for him. He wanted to be by himself for awhile and think about a few things that weren't considered important by the others. These things were only reserved for him to brood over.

He had something on his mind and it bothered him intensely. So intensely it was the only thing on his mind at the moment. Usually things didn't bother him for very long and he was able to brush it off. But not this time.

He rested his head on his arms, his ebony hair shielding his thoughts from the intrusion of the outside world. The world he lived in, but didn't consider his reality.

He was thinking about his horrible nightmare.

Why did I have such a terrible nightmare? I wonder what it ment. Is Lucrecia trying to tell me something?

Lucrecia. That thought turned his mind to the woman scientst. The woman he loved so much. The woman who was Sephiroth's mother. Why didn't I try to stop her? he asked himself the question for the millionth time since he'd been awakened from his nightmares. The gunman was seething as painful flashbacks entered his mind. Why did I let Hojo do that to her?

Hojo! he thought in rage. That sick pervert! He took advantage of her! I should have stopped him! I should have protected her!

He curled the golden claw on his left arm in a fist and smashed it on the ivory tabletop with a loud bang. He had no right! What? Did he want a son like Sephiroth? Someone who wanted to be Lord of the Earth? Probably. They do act a like a little bit. But why did he lie to Sephiroth and tell him his mother was Jenova? Didn't he want his own son to know the truth? If so; why not? What was his problem!?

Vincent unclasped his fist and ran his hand through his long black hair. He tore at it as the next troublesome question entered his mind. And why did he have to do this to me!?

Now Vincent calmed down slightly as a more comforting thought came to him. I am so glad he's dead. At least now he won't ruin anymore lives...

Yuffie stood in the hallway in her usual spot, feeling completely miserable. She was extremely airsick and mentally kicking herself for her foolishness. Why did I agree to this? she asked herself. I feel horrible!

Oh yeah, Tifa promised you Materia if you came. The things I do for my Materia.

She glanced over at the Conference room. It suddenly looked very inviting with its chairs... Maybe if I sit down I'll feel better, she figured.

She staggered sickly to the room. Somehow she made it without losing her balance or vomiting on the floor. She opened the door and stepped inside. She leaned against the door, panting. She heard a pounding coming from the cherry wood table.

The ninja looked up. She was surprised to see someone, their head burried under long ebony hair, seated at the table. She knew who it was instantly. She only knew one person who had long black hair.

Vincent? she thought. What's he doing in here?

She saw and heard him pound his fist on the table one last time. Then he went completely still, as if he's passed out for no reason at all. The stillness of his figure just then unsettled her. She was always that way around him when they were alone together.

I wonder if he's all right, she thought. Maybe I should ask him.

Yuffie staggered toward his chair, holding her hand over her mouth so she wouldn't accidently vomit on him. As she got closer she heard him mumbling something but couldn't understand it. So he does talk in his sleep, she thought. I knew it!

Vincent was not aware that Yuffie stood next to him. He was too deep in thought to notice anything. All he was aware of was his own breathing.

"Vincent...?" Yuffie said, reaching her hand out. "Are you alright?"

The instant he felt the sensation of someone's hand resting on his shoulder he drew in a deep startled breath. He sat bolt upright. He reached for his gun and aimed it at the offender. When he saw who it was he stared. "Yuffie!" he exclaimed.

The ninja took a step back and raised her hands. "I surrender!" she shouted. "Don't shoot!"

He dropped the gun slowly. "What?" he asked in a voice that wasn't at all in character. "Is there something you want?"

Yuffie put her hands behind her back. "Nothing," she said nervously. "I... I just wanted to know if you were alright."

"I'm fine. Just a little..." his voice trailed off.

Yuffie waited.Vincent didn't raise his gun again. She was relieved. She sat down.

He noticed her stooping. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice showing a hint of concern.

The ninja shook her head and hurked. "No," she said. "You know as well as anyone here that I get airsick real bad."

"Oh." he said, moving a little bit away from her. I hope she doesn't throw up on me. I don't need that.

"Why aren't you in your usual spot?" he questioned her.

"I thought if I sat down I'd feel better." was the answer.

"Is it working?" he wanted to know.

Yuffie shook her head. "I don't think so."

Unexpectantly Vincent raised his right hand and began to rub her back. She tensed. He was quick to reassure her. "This usually helps when someone is sick," he told her. "You don't have to worry. I'm not trying to hit on you. I am not like that."

"I'm glad," she said.

After awhile Yuffie smiled as she began to feel a little better. "Thanks, that helps, a little," she said not longer hurking or sweating. "You're a life saver."

It usually puts you to sleep as well, he didn't add.

After a few minutes the ninja rested her head on the table and began to snore softly. He stopped and smiled faintly. Sleep is also good. It keeps you from being airsick.

And, he turned away from her. bothering me with silly questions.

He sighed and rested his chin on his arms. I wonder if she saw what I was doing when she came in?

Vincent shot a glance at her. Her one finger was spasmadically tapping the table top. I hope she didn't. If she did she might tell everyone.

An hour later Vincent was awakened from a half doze by a loud rumble and a knock on the door. Since it had been a quiet ride and since Yuffie hadn't awakened since she's come in, Vincent wasn't expecting either noise (The rumble or the knock). He almost fell out of his chair when he heard them.

Now what? The gunman got out of his seat, being careful not to wake Yuffie, and headed toward the door. Who's going to bother me now?

When he opened the door he found Tifa standing on the other side. Twice in one day, he thought. "Yes?" he asked.

"Cloud wanted me to let you know that we landed," she replied.

"And?"

"He's dropping us off," she answered. "We're at Corel."

"Uh huh."

"When we get off Cid is going to take Cloud to Gongaga where Zack's parents live," she said giving him all the facts as if he didn't already know.

Stop talking like that! he wanted to say. I know all ready! "Okay," he said closing the door.

Vincent turned around and walked back to the table. I'd better wake her up, he thought refering to Yuffie. If she ends up going to Gongaga she'll probably be bored to death.

He rested his hand on Yuffie's shoulder and shook her awake. "Yuffie, wake up," he ordered in his normal voice.

The ninja moaned then her eyes flew open. "What?" she asked looking up at him.

"Tifa just informed me that we arrived in Corel," he answered.

"Uh huh," she said stretching. "And you're telling me this why?"

"We have to get off," he went on. "Unless you want to go with Cloud and Cid to Gongaga."

"Do they have Materia there?" she asked instantly.

"No," he replied shaking his head."but they do have Zack's parents."

"Oh boring!" she exclaimed standing up. "Let's get out of here!"

Yuffie dashed out of the door.

Vincent followed her slowly. He had no need to run. It wasn't like Cloud was planning on getting to that town in a huge hurry. Vincent would take his time.

After all. I'm in no hurry either...

Once everyone, except for Cid and Cloud, were off the Highwind Cloud called to them as the door began to shut. "I'll see you all in a few hours!"

With that, the great airplane took off. Leaving the group in the meadow outside the has been town of Corel.

Barret turned to the town and looked it over. It was still the same. It hadn't changed. "It's good to be home again," he said. Then he turned to the others and called. "Let's go!"

The group of six headed into the town. Vincent held back a moment. He stared up at the mountain range thoughtfully. Lucrecia's cave is nearby, he thought. I wonder if Cid would let me use the Highwind to see her if I asked him...

"Vincent."

He looked over his shoulder. He saw Yuffie standing a few feet away with her hands on her hips. She looked impatient and her expression seemed to say. "Wherever you go you can't stop thinking about her can you!?"

"Are you coming or not?" she demanded when she saw she had his attention.

He nodded but said nothing. She seemed satisfied with that and followed the others into the town. He glanced at the mountain range one last time then followed her.

When he entered the town he only briefly remembered being there once before. It had been during the time when Meteor was going to crash into the planet. He, Cid, and Yuffie had come to the town to keep the Shinra from getting their hands on the town's Large Materia.

Now he was glad that was all over and he didn't have to worry about running into any trouble this time around.

"Hey, Vincent," a voice called to him.

Vincent turned his head. He saw Barret and the others staring at him. "Yes?" he asked.

"Get your ass in gear and get over here," said Barret impatiently.

"Whatever."

They all headed into the bus station. Vincent heard Yuffie scolding Barret about something but didn't pay any attention. It wasn't any of his business anyway.

The ride was still free so they had no hassles and just got on.

Vincent was one of the first ones on. He took a window seat in the back, hoping to be by himself for awhile. For some reason so did Yuffie. I hope she doesn't plan on bothering me with something.

Luckily for him she did not. She just stared out the window and said nothing. It was practically like she chose to ignore him even though he sat across from her.

Vincent didn't mind one bit. He was glad she decided to leave him alone. He also stared out the window, ignoring her, until he became aware of a constant rhythmatic pain in his shins. When he glanced down he saw Yuffie was swinging her legs back and forth and hitting him everytime she swung them forward.

He looked up at her. Her face was blank. As if she wasn't aware of what she was doing.

He decided to change position before his shins turned black and blue. He quickly put both feet across the seat before she could hit them again. He then folded his arms and glowered at her, though she didn't notice.

He did notice she was suddenly grinning about something. Maybe it was his banged up shins but he had another idea that seemed to fit better. I bet she's thinking about all the Materia she's planning on winning in the Battle Arena, he thought in disgust. Can't she think about anything else?

Oh yeah, That's just how Yuffe is.

He glanced out the window again. Now all he could see was the sky. He didn't mind. He wasn't even paying attention. He was thinking. She's nothing like Lucrecia. Lucrecia never thought about herself. She was such a wonderful person. So much unlike Tifa and Yuffie. She was kind of like Aerith. Considerate to others. Too bad Aerith died. I wonder if we could have become friends? I wonder if she and Cloud could have gotten into a deeper relationship?

He thought about that. Hmm... It seems Cloud acts a bit differently now. I wonder if he'll get closer to Tifa now or won't ever let another girl into his heart. If he doesn't he's just like me.

Maybe I should ask Cloud about it. Vincent thought better of it. On second thought. I don't think so. He may get offended and think I'm prying.

The bus came to a stop then. He stood along with the others. Since he was closest to the entrance, Barret got off first.

The others filed out behind him.

Vincent walked slowly toward the door. He was in less of a hurry to get out now that they were actually at the amusement park.

Yuffie came after him at a slightly faster pace.

Just as the gunman took a step out Yuffie, who was in an even bigger hurry by then, lost her footing and tripped. Trying to regain her balance, she reached out and grabbed the first thing her hand rested on. Vincent's scarlet colored cape.

The extra weight of her body and the force of her falling behind him caused to him to loose his balance. Before he knew what was happening, he pitched forward. His eyes took in the concrete floor of the parking lot as he fell.